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The first challenge during the season is finding a parking space in one of the car parks in Gavarnie. All car parks are pay-and-display (between £4 and £5 in May 2016).
(S/E) To start, follow the road in the direction of traffic on a wide path and join the trail that passes in front of the cemetery.
(1) Take a short detour to the cemetery, where great Pyrenean mountaineers are buried in the square on the left as you enter. Continue along the path, heading south towards the Bellevue plateau or the Cabane des Soldats (1,954 m). The path is well marked.
(2) When you reach this fork, turn right. There is a sign, but the direction to the Bellevue plateau is missing; only the usual direction to "Cirque de Gavarnie" on the left is indicated. The path continues to climb, with a few slightly steeper switchbacks. You will quickly come out onto the plateau, below the Pouey Aspé hut, which is clearly visible in the summer.
(3) Turn left and begin the descent towards the cirque. The trail is still well marked (National Park sign). Enjoy the view of the cirque, which can be seen in its entirety with all the peaks towering above it. The trail that crosses the plateau heads towards the Cabane des Soldats. Signpost, Refuge de la Brèche. This entire area on the plateau is ideal for wandering around. Listen carefully, you can hear marmots and you may see a chamois coming down the slope below you. You are at the highest point of this hike.
(4) You will arrive at a bridge over the Gave des Tourettes. Turn right just before the bridge and climb back up about 50 metres.
(5) You will see the waterfall, which has a strong flow (in May). Return to the bridge.
(4) Cross it and continue downhill to the left. At the bottom of the valley, you will come across numerous streams flowing out of the cirque, which you will need to cross. Continue along the paths, heading south-south-east (do not head towards Gavarnie), in this wooded area known as the Bois du Boulic.
(6) Cross the torrent (Gave de Gavarnie or Pau) via a wooden footbridge and take the path heading south, which climbs straight up opposite with a small passage equipped with ropes.
Join the path, which is the classic route to the cirque.
(7) Take this wide, easy and very busy path on the right, which is the classic route.
(8) You will see the cirque at the same time as the hostelry buildings. Continue through the cirque and proceed to the suspension footbridge, taking a path that branches off slightly to the right as it descends.
(9) Updated 25/06/2025: This footbridge is still not in place. Go to (10) and return via the eastern path.
Cross it and walk uphill through the cirque towards the large waterfall at the bottom. You will have to cross several streams. The passage is fairly clear, depending on the water level in the streams.
(10) Enjoy the view by turning around. It is quite cool and humid at the foot of the waterfall.
To return, take the well-marked path on the right and find the intersection you passed on the way there.
(9) Follow the same route you took on the way there to return to the hostel.
(8) Continue along the same route you took on the way there (during tourist season, it can get very crowded).
(7) Take the main road on the right. Stay on this road.
(11) Fork. Continue right on the main road, on the right bank, until you reach a fairly flat area where you will find a footbridge.
(12) Keep following the main road. You will come to an orientation table. Take advantage of this table and the well-documented information area. Continue on to reach the Pont de Nadau.
(13) Cross over to the quieter left bank. A little further on, you will pass under the CRS first aid station and arrive at Gavarnie, where you can return to your car park (S/E).
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